Table cover system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A table cover system tightly holds a protective barrier similar to a tablecloth on a table. An elastic or stretchy band is attached near the outer edge so that when placed on the table it holds the protective barrier on the table. This prevents the wind from blowing it off, it being pulled off or otherwise inadvertently being removed from the table.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to table covering and more specifically to a table cover system for securing a protective layer over the top of a table that will remain in place during use, adverse environmental conditions, further it reduces the trip hazard around the table.

2. Description of Related Art

Table coverings are well known in the art and are effective means to protect a tabletop while it is used for activities such as eating, arts, crafts and the like. For example, referring to FIG. 1, for a meal an ornate tablecloth 105 is placed on the table 103 and then the meal is served. The tablecloth protects any food or drink that spills on the table. If the tablecloth is soiled it is removed and washed or discarded. Commonly tables are in many shapes such as rectangular, circular and square. Tablecloths additionally are found in many shapes and sizes. When a tablecloth is placed on a table the excess material hangs off the edge and creates a hazard to trip those that walk around the table.

One of the problems commonly associated with common table coverings is their limited efficiency. For example, when a tablecloth loosely hangs over the table it is susceptible to be blown off by the wind or removed by accident or pulled on by children. When the tablecloth is removed unintentionally the contents of the table are displaced, thrown off the table, damaged or any number of negative consequences.

Additionally, if the tablecloth hangs too low and is a trip hazard when a person stumbles on it not only is the table and its contents disrupted but the person who stubbled could be injured.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of table coverings, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a common table covering;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are front views of a table cover system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of covering a table; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front views of an alternative use of the system of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional table coverings. Specifically, the present invention provides means to secure the tablecloth to the table while reducing the potential for a trip hazard. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 2A and 2B depict front views of a table cover system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional table coverings.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes a protective barrier 203 with a retraction band 205 around the outer perimeter 207. The retraction band 205 is configured to reduce the size of the protective barrier 203.

It is contemplated that the protective barrier 203 could be of many materials. It could be that the system is disposable or reusable. Additionally, it is contemplated that the protective barrier 203 could have decorative patterns or the like thereon.

In use as depicted by FIG.3, the protective barrier 203 is placed on a table 103 so that the protective barrier in on the top thereof and the outer perimeter 207 is below the tabletop 301 so that the restrictive band 205 makes the outer perimeter 207 smaller than the size of the tabletop 305. The protective barrier 203 is then used as a table covering.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that the restrictive band 205 secures the protective barrier 203 to the table 103 thus preventing unintended removal of the system 201 and the damage and waste that results therefrom.

In an alternative embodiment 401 as depicted by FIG. 4 it is contemplated that an adhesive layer 403 is attached within the protective barrier 203 above the restrictive band 205. It is contemplated and will be appreciated that the adhesive layer 403 is a secondary method of securing the embodiment 401 to the tabletop 301.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a method of covering a table is depicted. Method 501 includes placing a protective barrier over a tabletop so that a restrictive band is there below 503, allowing the restrictive band to hold the protective barrier on the tabletop 505, using the table with the protective barrier thereon 507 and removing the protective barrier therefrom 509.

In addition, as depicted by FIGS. 6A and 6B it is contemplated that the system could be used as a waste receptacle. In this use, when the protective barrier 203 has been used and is ready to dispose of, items 601 on the protective barrier 203 are collected by pulling the restrictive band 205 towards the center as depicted by motions D and E. In this manner a bag of sorts is formed by the protective barrier 203 and contains the items 601 therein. It is contemplated that other waste could be added thereto.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed;:
 1. A table cover system comprising: a protective barrier with a restrictive band attached around the outer perimeter; wherein the protective barrier rests on a tabletop; and wherein the restrictive band secures the protective barrier to the tabletop.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein an adhesive layer is attached above the restrictive band as a secondary means of securing the protective barrier to the tabletop.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the protective barrier is used a waste receptacle after use.
 4. A method of covering a table, comprising: placing a protective barrier over a tabletop so that a restrictive band is there below; allowing the restrictive band to hold the protective barrier on the tabletop; using the table with the protective barrier thereon; and removing the protective barrier therefrom. 